A Date Night and weekend stuff

It had been FOR-EV-ER since Brad and I had a date night out. I'm pretty sure that our last actual "date" just to go to dinner by ourselves, was last July... So we were more than thrilled when my parents had the idea to have Keating sleep over this past Saturday night. Lately most of our together time has been involving house projects and painting shutters, not exactly date night material!

Keating was really excited to go to his G and Shonnie's house, and as we dropped him off he didn't even look back. Yes, its a good thing that he wasn't begging for us to stay and making us feel guilty... but not even a single fake tear... nope. He didn't mind one bit!

We decided to see an early afternoon movie and then go to dinner afterwards. We are old like that and didn't want to have to wait too late to eat! Brad suggested we see This Means War, which surprised me because I thought it seemed like a chick-flick. I excitedly agreed. The movie was fantastic. It has been rare that we both find a movie that we enjoy, unless it starts with a Harry and ends with a Potter. This movie had a little action, tons of comedy, and a love story thrown in for good measure. It was refreshing to see a comedy without the normal Owen Wilsons and Vince Vaughns thrown in the mix. I love those guys, but this was a great change. In my opinion these guys are much easier on the eyes too!

After the movie we enjoyed a dinner where we didn't have to beg a toddler to eat his chicken or keep him from trying to crawl under the table. It was strange but nice! We then wrapped up the night at a friend's birthday get together, where we stayed out much too late. I didn't know people still stayed out past 10 o'clock, 1 am was really pushing it!

The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning out our black hole of a garage and I finished sewing Archer's baby bedding. I am so happy with how it turned out! Can't wait to share pics once I get the rest of my act together and finish everything else! Hopefully not too much longer.

32 Weeks!

How Far Along? 32 weeks. Holy Canoli I'm going to be a mother of TWO in less than 8 weeks!
Maternity Clothes? yes. Spring needs to hurry up and get here. All of my maternity pants have started to lose their comfort factor. I need to wear dresses ASAP!
Weight Gain? 20 lbs
Stretch Marks? nada. Thank goodness
Gender? All boy
Sleep? not great. Between charlie horses that feel like my leg is being cut off, painful hips, and multiple bathroom trips, sleep has not been very restful.
Food Cravings? chocolate, strawberry milkshakes, dark beer.
What I Miss? Sleep, being able to walk or do things without hip pain.
Symptoms? All of the above
Belly Button? Sometimes its in, sometimes its out. I think it has to do with how he is positioned in there.
Best Moment of the Week? Brad and I got to have a dinner and movie date night, our first in I can't remember how long. We had such a great time!

Full Plate

I am sure I'm not the only one that feels this way, but lately I have had a full plate. I use the term "full plate" because life has been crazy and hectic, but it is also rewarding and I am extremely blessed.

Reason number one for the full plate, Ike. (yes I am aware I brought this upon myself) This dog could be the end of my sanity as I know it. He is a digger (as seen in the photo), a chewer, a barker, a toy thief, an instigator, a bully, and the most stubborn beast I have ever come in contact with. This dog refuses to be house broken and this is not the first dog we have attempted to train. He will go outside, and then two minutes later, there is a pile of crap on the floor. I. dont. get. it. If you have any house breaking tips, please send them my way. We are doing EVERYTHING that we have read, following all of the vet's orders, and using our best judgement and he still refuses to stop going in the house. Please tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel! We have been through 2 CASES of Costco sized paper towels as well as 3 cans of carpet cleaner. When will it stop!? He does have a sweet heart though, he's just a VERY large/ crazy puppy. Thankfully our fence is complete and he enjoys playing outside.
Speaking of our fence, we are happy to have another item checked off of our house project list. It blocks out the view of our neighbors unsightly house and contains dogs and children =) The weird angle of the fence to the right has been corrected since this photo was taken. It was a bit awkward. Keating has loved the excitement of power tools and digging going on to get it constructed. He has seen a shovel used one too many times and has started perfecting his skill. Such a "helper"! He is still getting in to everything and cant be left alone for one second... not one. I have learned that his day to day clothes need to fall into the play clothes category because he tends to get everything dirty. Boys will be boys.

Case in point when he is left alone for one second... he gets into my purse for "chapstick" and comes out looking like a clown. He was very proud of his handy work, his dad was not as impressed with his son wearing lipstick. Good thing red is a good color on him!

Even though our house is hectic, we do have a few nice calm moments, fleeting as they are. My favorite part of the week is getting a sleepy, crazy haired boy out of bed on Saturday morning and making pancakes with him. It is still shocking to me how big he has gotten in the blink of an eye. I know he is going to be a great big brother.

And speaking of little brother... Last week while Brad was out for a dinner meeting, Keating and I got the curtains hung in Archer's room. This is somewhat humorous for a few reasons. Brad has forbidden me to hang curtain rods because I do an awful job. I think I did okay this time, it is straight and not even falling off the wall, yet. Its also funny because Keating really was a huge help. I would ask him to hand me things that I needed while I was standing on the chair and he was the perfect assistant. Seriously, what 2 year old comprehends "Keating can you hand me the drill bit?" and does it? I kept the photo in black and white because the color was off since it was taken at night, and I didn't want to spoil the surprise.

That is our life lately, crazy, hectic, and lovely. I wouldn't change a thing... except maybe the house breaking issue. That really needs to stop. I keep reminding myself of the song "It wont be like this for long" These moments pass by so quickly that they need to be savored. As Ferris Bueler would say "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile... you could miss it."

Entry Way Update!

Since moving in our house, our "entry way" or lack there of, has needed something to set it apart. Up until a few weeks ago, this long wall by our front door stood vacant with only an old church pew that became the catch all for the house. One of the down falls of renovating a house and knocking out all of the walls, is that when you walk in it is very open. Our solution was a functional shelf that provided a little decoration and a place for random things to call home.

Brad had this mantle-like shelf made for me for Christmas to go over the pew. I still need to fill the holes from the screws but I LOVE the way it all turned out.

Having the hooks on the shelf provides a spot for jackets and bags. I was worried about it getting cluttered but I think things look better hanging, as opposed to collecting dust on the pew below. So far I have had fun accessorizing with photos and random items from around the house. I would like to add in a few different colored frames, but for now, the black works. This is my most recent shelf addition. I randomly found this card on etsy of Ike and Lola, it was meant to be!

I think I still need something on the left side of the wall, but I am not sure what that is just yet. Suggestions?

Don't you love when a small change can make a huge impact?

Keating's Birthday Recap

Keating had a great 2nd birthday! I was hoping that the weatherman had been wrong about the predicted temperatures and wind gusts, but naturally this one time he was right! The party was still a huge success despite the cold. I think this is something we are going to have to deal with every year, it's just part of having a February birthday. We decided to get the inflatable Cars bounce anyways and staked it down securely. I am glad that we did, apparently kids don't care how cold it is, they will play despite frost bite and snot running down their faces. Lovely.

Here are a few pics of the decorations I took before all of the food was set out. In case you are wondering, people had a lot more to choose from than cupcakes and ring pops! We also had a "hot dog bar" with a lot of fun fixings, homemade potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and a variety of delectable dips. After seeing the huge balloons that Erika at Urban Grace got for her daughter's birthday party, I had to track them down. I had planned on also using these for Keating's 2 year old photos, but it was way too cold and he fell and busted his lip... so much for photos with massive balloons.

I also stole borrowed her idea of using candy melts to make polka dots on the cake. (I have to give credit where credit is due, she is one creative lady) The cake was a boxed yellow cake with homemade almond buttercream frosting. YUM!

They were accompanied with lemon cupcakes and vanilla buttercream frosting.

Keating posing in his classic "cheese face." It is really quite hard to get him to make as normal face these days.

Much better. (If you ever want to know how much pregnancy weight you have gained, just have your photo taken... yikes!)

This was the first present that Keating pulled out of the bag when it was time to open gifts. He grabbed the shovel, hopped off the couch and ran to the back yard to start playing with it. Needless to say, he loved the gift and was ready to get to work in the yard! After I drug him back in, he got lots of great gifts that he also went crazy over. He wanted to start playing with each one as he opened it.

He had mastered how to sing himself "happy birthday" in the previous week so he was a pro when it was time to sing.

And even blew out the candle without spitting all over the cake!We were so happy that so many family and friends could be there to share in our man's 2nd birthday. He truly had a blast and was exhausted by the end of the day.

Thanks for all of Keating's birthday wishes, if he could read my blog, facebook, and twitter page he would be very thankful!

The bad thing about old photos...

Is that they make you realize how young and in shape you once were! The photos that I put up in my last post have been buried away in old facebook albums for years. I can't remember the last time that I looked at them, and some of them Brad had never even seen. I would be lying if I said we weren't a little shocked by how we have aged changed in the last 4 years! I guess it is just part of life, but after Archer arrives it is going to be post baby boot camp for me!! I have a class reunion in May so it will be crunch time... literally!

This weekend is Keating's 2nd birthday party. Where in the world did the last 2 years go? Of course I remember it like it was yesterday that I was holding a tiny new baby in my arms. Now that baby is 2 years old and going to be an older brother. It is all pretty crazy to think about! Keating is really excited about his birthday this year. I'm not sure that he completely understands what is going on, but when we talk about it he sings "Happy Birthday to YOU" to himself. He is nothing short of a ham!

Since he LOVES anything truck/ tractor/ dirt related I decided to do a dump truck party. I haven't done a whole lot of planning, so I hope it all comes together okay! I personally think kids birthday parties have gotten a little out of hand. The ones you see on pinterest are starting to get insanely over the top. I wanted to keep it simple, and I think I did just that. Everything is going to be yellow and white, we are decorating with trucks and tractors we already had and fun balloons I ordered online. For food we are having hot dogs and homemade cake. Easy peasy.

I made the invitations on my lunch break using Powerpoint. I had never thought to use Powerpoint to make something for printing. My work computer doesn't have Photoshop so desperate times called for desperate measures. I was really happy with the results and it was so easy! Sunday we plan to hang out around the house, and I may work on projects for the nursery. That is about all we have going on for the weekend! I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Our Love Story: Q & A

I saw this little quiz on Blue Eyed Bride's page from Mrs to Mama and thought it looked like fun!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
Brad and I technically started dating July 14, 2006. He doesn’t recall the exact date… but of course I do. We had been spending a lot of time together and I left for a trip to Napa with my
family. While I was gone I didn’t have a lot of cell phone service, and it drove him crazy not being able to talk to me. (he would beg to differ, but the numerous sweet messages I received while away would say otherwise) When I got home from my trip I went as his date to his friend’s wedding and that pretty much sealed the deal.

2. How did you meet? {What’s your “love” story?}
We officially met at church, but we have crossed paths many times over the years. I started re-attending the church that I grew up in and Brad randomly overslept for his church’s service one day. He decided to go to church with one of our mutual friends. He loved me instantly. HAHA kidding!

3. If married, how long have you been married?
Married 3 years!

4. If you are married, where did you get married? Big or small wedding?
We got married in a large ceremony in his aunt and uncles gorgeous garden. It was the perfect fall day for a wedding!

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
I call him Bradford, its his middle name. I guess technically “Brad” is a nick-name. He calls me Candy.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.
- His love and loyalty to his family, it has been amazing to see him transform as a dad. He is so great with Keating and is really excited to be having another little man on the way. I don’t think he realizes how much Keating looks up to him.
-He always sees the good in people. I tend to be a bit pessimistic and at times judgmental (who me?!) I think he helps balance this out in me.
-He is simple. I know this soundsnegative but it really isn’t. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and doesn’t need anything fancy to make him happy. He takes joy in the small things, which I believe is one of the keys to happiness.

7. Tell us how he proposed?
We went to Jekyll Island for his best friend Michelle’s wedding. Michelle had been his go-to lady for help with picking a ring and wanted him to pop the question while we were all in Jekyll Island. Very kind of her giving up a little of her spotlight! Towards the end of the reception, Brad suggested that we go for a walk. We walked down to the waterway, and me, being totally
clueless had no clue why the wedding photographer was waiting for us. Brad said that he wanted to get a few photos of us, being a photography lover; I thought it was a great idea! Next thing I know, he is on one knee proposing. It was great that we have photos of such a special moment!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy
bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals? He’s more of a lets go out to dinner kind of guy. Neither of us really gets in to the commercial part of Valentine’s day, but we do enjoy a nice dinner out.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
As lovely as a sunset on the beach sounds, that is not realistic in the slightest at our current stage of life. Most nights we watch a few episodes of The Big Bang Theory on the couch and then pass out. The last movie we watched together was The Lion King and had a blast. Oh how children change your life!

10. Tell us one thing you’d like to do with your significant other one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
I would love to go to Italy together. For some reason he has no interest in leaving the country except to go to Ireland or Australia, but I REALLY want to go back to Italy. I’m thinking one day after our kids are older and he wants to make me a VERY happy girl, he will give in and go. *hint hint*

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine’s Day.
We haven’t even discussed it. Keating’s birthday is on February 13 so this usually surpasses our Valentines plans.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine’s day?
Nope! But I do love chocolate, not that I need any!

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.
Being honest, realistic, and just being each other’s friend. I think going in to marriage, a lot of people have a preconceived notion that it’s going to be wine and roses every night, and that isn’t real life. Life isn’t always romantic. Marriage is being forgiving, loving each other’s faults and bringing out the best in each other. It’s family trips to Home Depot, making pancakes on
Saturday mornings, and managing a few quiet minutes together every day. I know this is just the season of life we are currently in, but I am soaking it up. Brad is my best friend, and every day I wake up knowing I have him as a partner, is a great day!

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 Weeks 79 days to go! WOW!

Total weight gain: 17.5 as of my appointment this morning

Maternity clothes? Bottoms yes, tops are long tops, former dresses or maternity tops

Stretch marks? nope! But running low on the Mama Mio. I better place an order soon!

Sleep: Its been wonderful, sadly I never feel like I get enough. I was yawning the other day and Keating said "Drink coffee Mama!" Smart boy!

Best moment this week: Lets see, I got the glucose test out of the way this morning... hopefully I pass that with flying colors. Also our house keeper started coming this week. That is a GOD SEND! I am also in the home stretch and started 3rd Trimester.

Miss Anything? Bending over and normal jeans

Movement: yep! I feel like he is a little calmer than Keating was in the womb.

Food cravings: Rootbeer floats. MMMMmmmm

Food aversions: none

Gender: Boy!!

Labor Signs: No real ones, but I felt like he was going to fall out last weekend. He's sitting super low. I thought he was head down, but turns out he is currently breech. I guess we will see if he finds the right direction soon enough.

Symptoms: Waddling due to hip/ round ligament pain.

Belly Button in or out? It has been coming and going. I think it all depends on how he's sitting in there.

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Looking forward to: the weekend!